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Michael Bradley to leave Edinburgh at end of RaboDirect PRO12 season

Edinburgh coach Michael Bradley will not have his contract renewed at the end of the season.

Last Updated: 12/02/13 1:23pm

Michael Bradley: Leaving Edinburgh at end of season

Bradley will continue to the job until the end of what has been a hugely disappointing season for Edinburgh, who have failed to build on last term's stunning Heineken Cup campaign when they reached the semi-finals.

They are fourth from bottom of the RaboDirect PRO12 table and lost all six of their Heineken Cup pool matches.

Defence coach Billy McGinty has resigned and leaves with immediate effect, with Bradley sharing the defence duties with forwards coach Neil Back until the end of the season.

Bradley told the club's website: "It's been an honour to be Edinburgh Rugby head coach and I'd like to thank my fellow coaches, management team, players, staff, fans and sponsors for their support these past two years.

"Building a strong club with a clear identity, which has shared ownership from the players, management, fans, sponsors and the community at large is the key driver of all successful teams and, for me, it is critical that this work continues and enables both the club and the team to reach its full potential.

"The undoubted highlight of my two years was the joy on the faces of all connected with Edinburgh Rugby when the final whistle went when we overcame Toulouse in last year's quarter-final of the Heineken Cup at Murrayfield.

"I am very disappointed by the run of results this season and will put everything into the remainder of the season to help the club build for a brighter future."

McGinty said: "I have enjoyed my time at Edinburgh Rugby and have met some fantastic people. The support from the fans has been magnificent. Good luck to Edinburgh Rugby in the future."

Scottish Rugby's Chief Executive Mark Dodson said: "Michael and Billy have played a pivotal role in a number of memorable games at Murrayfield. In particular, last year's journey to the Heineken Cup semi-final in Dublin was a highlight.

"This season's results, however, have been below the standards expected by the club and its fans and we believe the time is right to begin the search for a fresh coaching team."